Soft count tracking system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is disclosed systematically to extract data from operating machines of the type used in gaming establishments. Various data is required by management to maximize the operation and the profit potential of a given machine is compiled in the machine itself. The compiled data is serially transferred to a memory device via a one-wire protocol. The memory device writes the data according a defined software routine. The contents of the memory device can be transferred to a computer for subsequent manipulation and display.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/313,335, filed May 20,1999, now abandoned, which is a Reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,755,issued May 20, 1997, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissueof U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,755. The reissue applications are applicationSer. No. 10/341,317 (the present application) and Ser. No. 11/166,368,which is divisional reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,755.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the storing data ofa validation system and, more particularly, to a detachable system toreliably download data from an operating machine and display the same inusable form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is particularly adapted for use with the validatorsystem of a coin or currency operated gaming devices of the type used ingambling casinos or similarly large volume operations. The validatorincludes mechanical and electronic hardware to keep track of a givenmachine's operation. That is to say, each machine includes electronichardware or mechanism that keeps track of the machine's performance,money intake, output of winnings and the like. The data that iscollected and intended to be stored include such operational parameteras down time, maintenance routines, payouts, machine use (activity),faults, credit card use and the like. The problem is that at presentneither the machine builders nor their customers have a simple,systematic and reliable way to retrieve the information that a givenmachine has compiled in its validator. In the past and in order toaccess the information, an employee is sent to each machine or selectedmachines which are then taken out of service for repair or downloading.When more than a few machines are involved (and some casinos havehundreds of machines), such past practice is expensive and error prone.Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for reliablyretrieving and utilizing the data compiled in a given machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive memory management system handles a wide range ofinformation functions. These functions are deemed necessary enhancementsin the industry and provide a competitive edge over existing methodswhich, heretofore, are used to access data in the machine. Moreparticularly and according to the inventive system, the enhancements aredownstacked from the validator to a Dallas Semiconductor DS1990A TouchMemory Device and the Dallas Semiconductor DS2405 Addressable SwitchDevice. The A DS2250, in combination with the inventive software, givesthe inventive system a flexible way to access machine performance.According to the inventive method, touch memory data is stored in abinary format. Memory locations of various lengths are assigned asneeded for various purposed purposes.

Full details of the present invention are set forth in the followingdescription of the invention and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated meansfor extracting and downloading data accumulated in a machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a memorymanagement system that includes wide range of storage functions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to readdata stored in a machine and then communicate such data to a remotecomputer or laptop, whereby the data can be displayed and manipulated bythis computer.

It is a another object of the present invention to provide the hardwareand software for an accountability system in currency handling that isapplicable to currency validators and currency stacking mechanisms.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a soft counttracking system of closed loop design.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed for purposes of illustration only and not as adefinition of the limits of the invention for which reference should bemade to the appending claims.

In the drawings, wherein the same references numeral denotes the sameelement throughout the several figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the inventive apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a Dallas Semiconductor DS1994and a Dallas Semiconductor DS2400 are connected to an 8052 CPU;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of write function assembly code according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the detachable buss or harnessused in the present system; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an LRC containing the DS1994 or DS1993touch memory clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of the inventiveapparatus seen generally as reference number 10. An indentificationidentification system (IDS), (i.e currency validator) unit 16 acts as adownstacker for the operating machine receiving all an identificationadaptor data generated by the IDA 12. The IDS unit contains theconventional currency sensors and detectors as well as the a CPU orcomputer device and display. The IDA IDS unit reads and analyzes allinformation including the currency value, unequal amounts, cash receiptsand effeciency efficiency of the machine. The inventive system is aclosed loop design for the automatic accounting of cash in gaming andother markets (machines) using coin or currency validators. In anotherwords, the inventive system provides for an accountability routine forcurrency handling in currency validators and stacking mechanisms. TheIDA 12 (identification adapter) is built into a wiring harness as anintegral active electronic component and is provided with a uniqueserial number. The IDA 12 electrically communicates with one end of aharness section 14, the other end of which terminates in a host machineinterface connector 14a. During use and operation, described below,connector 14a plugs into a host gaming machine, not shown, forelectrical and data communication therewith. The validator or IDS unit16, a Dallas Semiconductor DS2250, about which more is said below, isplaced in electrical or data communication with IDA adapter 12 via adetachable buss or harness 18 shown in detail in FIG. 4. Harness 18includes a muting or quick disconnect between the IDA 12 and the IDS orvalidator 16. More particularly, harness 18 comprises harness sections18b and 18c each, on one end, respectively terminating in associatedmating quick disconnect elements 18d and 18e.

IDS Unit or validator unit 16 is a currency note validator with amicrocontroller in which the DS2250 interrogates IDA 12 for anidentification number. IDS 16 validates notes, security papers andbarcoded coupons used as money substitutes. A lockable removablecassette (LRC) 20 is placed in electrical or data communication with IDS16 by means of a harness of harness segment 22. As with harness 18,noted above, harness 22 includes a mating or quick disconnect IDS-LRCconnector 22a. More particularly, harness 22 is formed of harness busssections 22b and 22c each, on one end, respectively terminating inassociated mating quick disconnect elements 22d and 22e.

LRC 20 is a storage mechanism, such as a box or lockable container, forthe secure stacking and transportation of notes and coupons. The LRC 20is portable and designed with a stacking mechanism 34 30 to hold thecurrency and notes securely once they pass through the validator.Integral to LRC 20 is a nonvolatile storage memory to receive and holdthe IDA and IDS information generated by these units. The LRC isprovided with a connector bus 34 for connection to a power source, motorsensors and to provide for the memory output to the CPU.

Additionally, the inventive system includes a soft count supervisor(SCS) 24 which is preferably portable or located at a remote positionfrom the validator or EDS IDS 16. The SCS 24, about which more is saidbelow, is detachably placed in data or electrical communication with LRC20 by means of harness or harness segment 26. Similar to harnesses 18and 22, harness 26 includes a mating or quick disconnect SCS-LRCconnector 26a. More particularly, harness 26 is formed of harnesssections 26b and 26c on one end, respectively terminating in associateddetachable disconnect elements 26d and 26e. Typically, SCS 24 is aPersonal computer (PC), laptop computer or handheld data storage devicethat, with harness 26, can be detachably coupled to LRC 20 to downloaddata therefrom. SCS 24 interrogates the memory device within LRC 20 oncethe LRC is removed from the host system. The SCS provides spread sheettype accounting of notes and coupons as well as status and performanceinformation of system components. Since the LRC is removed frequently,maintenance personnel may be directed accurately to systems performingefficiently or performing only marginally. LRC 20 may be optionallyinterrogated through the communication port of validator IDS 16.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown in schematic form how the DS1994and the DS2400 are electrically connected or placed in datacommunication with a host CPU 210. A single wire or data lead 212 is, onone end, electrically connected to data port 214 of CPU 210. The otherend of wire 212 is electrically connected to Dallas Semiconductor MemoryDevice DS1994, as shown. Line 212 is “pulled-up” by pull-up resistor216. A single wire or data lead 218 is, on one end, electricallyconnected to data port 220 of CPU 210. The other end of wire 218 iselectrically connected to a Dallas Semiconductor DS2400, as shown. Wire218 is electrically pulled-up by resistor 222.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the Flow Chart for the WriteFunction Assembly Code according to the present invention.

In operation or in operational sequence, all components are connectedvia power-on, and reset switch (POR). The validator or IDS 16 loads theunique serial number of IDA 12 into its local nonvolatile memory and LRC20 is interrogated by IDS 16 for identification (ID). If LRC 20 has noID, as in the case of cash collection, the LRC 20 is returned to systemand IDS 16 will load the LRC 20 with serial number and the followinginformation:

time and date stamp factory ID validation histogram manufacture datemalfunction summary IDS configuration CPU revision cash and couponaccounting data

The LRC 20 will further be strung with the various reasons for rejectionof currency (optically and/or magnetically sensed), i.e. a full stack ofbills, channel jams and whatever other data is supplied.

Overall, the inventive system will store:

-   -   a) time—stacker was attached;    -   b) time—stacker was removed;    -   c) date—stacker was attached;    -   d) date—stacker was removed;    -   e) asset number—a serial identification number for the gaming        machine;    -   f) registers for note denominations and running totals;    -   g) registers for coupon information storage;    -   h) registers for fault determination and running totals;    -   i) self-determining mode;    -   j) providing performance data; and    -   k) flexible data conversion format so data can be displayed on        any PC with simple programs.

There are two main components to this system feature. The first is theDS1990A, noted earlier, and the second is the DS2405 Addressable Switch,also noted above. In the DS2250, data is transferred serially via aone-wire protocol. This protocol requires only a single data lead and aground return. The DS2405 is an open drain N-channel field effecttransistor that can be turned on and off to follow the standard Dallasone-wire protocol. This protocol is implemented with a single port of an8052 microcontroller CPU. Data is transferred to the DS2250 via astacker connector, and data in binary form is written to the touchmemory device as described in the flow chart of the Write FunctionAssembly Code. The DS2405 Addressable Switch is housed in the cablingassembly so each machine has a unique identification and not thestacker. This provides flexibility for putting any given stacker on anygiven machine.

Since the memory device is housed within the money stacker orcontainers, it is easy for a user to retrieve the data. When the stackeris removed and emptied of coins or currency, the data can be retrievedby a fixture and downloaded to a PC, laptop, or handheld data storagedevice.

Time and data stamps are used for accounting purposes. This informationwill tell the user when the stackers are accessed and provide detailedinformation on hourly activity, and thus provide the user with a systemfor scheduling maintenance, stacker removal, and various other neededactivity. According to the present invention, an asset number isassigned to a given gaming machine, i.e., it is the “name” of a givenmachine. This feature eliminates the need for the user or maintenancepersonnel to write down which currency stacker or data provider goes towhich machine. In the inventive apparatus, since the read/write memoryis nonvolatile, the removed stacker does not have to be replaced in thesame machine. When a stacker is replaced, the asset number of themachine into which it is placed is written to memory.

The registers set up for bill denominations will keep a running total ofhow many bills of a particular denomination were inserted. This willgive the user an instant tally of the amount of notes in the stacker andthe total dollar value contained in the stacker. Other registers are setup to handle bar coded coupons. In this case, the complete encoded barcode number will be stored in memory. This eliminates the need for theuser to hand read the coupons into the system because in the inventivetechnique it can now be downloaded directly from the stacker.

In the inventive implementation, other registers are set up to handlefault counts. More particularly, these registers are set up to handleoptical window faults and optical ratio faults, magnetic faults, powerfaults, stacker faults, unrecognizable bill faults and front-end sensorfaults. Such data will give the user insight into how well the machineis performing and which areas need improving. Knowledge of this faultdata will also allow the inventive system to warn the user of potentialproblems. For example, if the machine records an excessive number offaults, it can be programmed to warn the user via network connection orby flashing LED's. The user now has a reliable way systematically tomaintain the gaming machine at the highest possible performance level,thus increasing the machine's profit potential.

To ensure the integrity of the data and provide the highest possiblelevel of accuracy, CRC and write verify read procedures are employed inthe inventive system.

It is to be understood that in this application use of the termselectrical and data communication are meant to be synonymous—that is,where an element is said to be in electrical communication is can beread as meaning in data communication, and, of course, to those in thisart, data communication also includes wireless communication wherein thelink can be RF radio frequency), light and infrared, to name a few.

While only a single embodiment of the present invention has been shownand described, it is to be understood that many changes andmodifications can be made hereto without departing from the spirit andscope hereof.

1. A soft count tracking system for a currency operated host gaming machine comprising: an identification adapter that includes an integral active electronic component, said component adapted to store a unique serial number, means for placing said identification adapter in data communication with the host machine, a currency note validator with a microcontroller, means for placing said currency note validator in data communication with said identification adapter for interrogating the identification adapter for identification number, a storage mechanism that includes integral nonvolatile storage memory means, and means for placing said storage mechanism in data communication with said currency note validator thereby to receive and hold information from said identification adapter, and a soft count supervisor adapted to be placed in detachable data communication with said memory means to interrogate and extract data from the same, said soft count supervisor comprising a computer, including software means to provide spread sheet data manipulation of the data extracted from said memory means.
 2. The soft count tracking system according to claim 1, said means for placing said said identification adapter in data communication with the host machine including a wiring harness, said active electronic component being disposed in said harness.
 3. The soft count tracking system according to claim 2, said active electronic component communicating by means of a one-wire protocol.
 4. The soft count tracking system according to claim 3, said wiring harness including means for detachably coupling the same to the host machine.
 5. The soft count tracking system according to claim 4, said storage mechanism adapted to stack and securely transport notes and coupons.
 6. The soft count tracking system according to claim 3, each of said means for placing said identification adapter, currency note validator and storage mechanism in data communication comprising a harness segment.
 7. The soft count tracking system according to claim 6, each of said segments including mating disconnect elements by which a respective segment can be decoupled.
 8. A soft count tracking system for a currency operated host gaming machine, including: a currency note validator to receive currency notes input to the host gaming machine; a first storage memory to store data, the data including a unique identifier corresponding to the host gaming machine; a storage mechanism detachably coupled to said currency note validator to store currency notes received by said currency note validator; a second storage memory associated with said storage mechanism to store data including said unique identifier, said unique identifier being communicated from said first storage memory to said second storage memory; and a soft count supervisor for receiving said storage mechanism and extracting data from said second storage memory.
 9. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein the soft count supervisor includes a computer, including software means to provide spread sheet data manipulation of the data extracted from said second storage memory.
 10. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein said first storage memory is coupled to said currency note validator.
 11. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein said second storage memory is nonvolatile memory.
 12. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein the soft count supervisor includes a computer, and said storage mechanism is adapted to be detachably coupled to said soft count supervisor to enable data communication therebetween.
 13. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein said currency notes include money substitutes such as coupons and security papers.
 14. The soft count tracking system of claim 8, wherein said data to be stored by the second storage memory includes information relating to the currency notes received by said currency note validator, including the number and amount of currency notes received.
 15. A soft count supervisor for extracting data from a portable storage mechanism, the portable storage mechanism used for storing currency notes input to a gaming machine as well as data associated with the gaming machine, the soft count supervisor comprising: means for placing the soft count supervisor in data communication with said portable storage mechanism; and a computer to extract the data associated with said gaming machine.
 16. The soft count supervisor of claim 15, wherein said means for placing includes one of an RF, light and infrared communications link.
 17. The soft count supervisor of claim 15, wherein the data includes a unique identifier associated with said gaming machine.
 18. The soft count supervisor of claim 15, wherein the data associated with the gaming machine includes information relating to the currency notes received by said currency note validator, including the number and amount of currency notes received.
 19. The soft count supervisor of claim 17, wherein the data associated with the gaming machine further includes information relating to the currency notes received by said currency note validator, including the number and amount of currency notes received.
 20. The soft count supervisor of claim 15, wherein the computer includes software means to provide spread sheet data manipulation of the data associated with said gaming machine.
 21. A soft count tracking system for a currency operated host gaming machine, including: a currency note validator to receive currency notes input to the host gaming machine; a storage mechanism detachably coupled to said currency note validator to store currency notes received by said currency note validator, the storage mechanism including a storage memory to store data associated with said host gaming machine; and a soft count supervisor for receiving said storage mechanism and downloading said data from said second storage memory.
 22. The soft count tracking system of claim 21, wherein said soft count supervisor includes a computer, including software means to provide spread sheet data manipulation of the data extracted from said second storage memory.
 23. The soft count tracking system of claim 21, wherein said data includes a unique identifier associated with said host gaming machine.
 24. The soft count tracking system of claim 23, wherein said data further includes information relating to the currency notes received by said currency note validator, including the number and amount of currency notes received.
 25. The soft count tracking system of claim 21, further comprising a second storage memory to store data associated with the host gaming machine.
 26. The soft count tracking system of claim 25, wherein data is transferred from the second storage memory to the storage memory of the storage mechanism. 